State Sen. Jake Files gave graduates at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith commencement exercises May 11 four pieces of advice to help them make an impact on themselves and their world.

 

“I am probably not going to tell you anything you don’t already know or haven’t already heard,” he said. “What I hope is different is that you realize the opportunity you have to make a difference and the role you play in so many different ways.”

 

Files, R-Fort Smith, told graduates their education at UAFS has been an investment that would yield benefits both seen and unseen, that they live in a world where the ordinary can become extraordinary.

 

“Today is your day,” he said. “Forever is up to you. We have been given a choice.”

 

Files advised graduates to:

• Live with purpose.

 

• Realize that it’s not just about you.

 

• Look for ways to make a difference.

 

• Live with conviction -- someone is always watching you.

 

His points included real-life examples as illustrations, beginning with his belief that living with purpose means each person has a specific purpose.

 

“In our living with purpose, we must realize there are no accidents,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason.” He went on to speak about a family who had a trip planned on the Titanic, didn’t get on board the well-known ship that sank, and then found out there was a purpose for them. He said what was a tragedy had become a blessing.

 

“I challenge you today to live your life with purpose and strive to make things happen,” Files said.

 

He further illustrated his living-with-purpose point with a story about a teenager whose interest in computers -- something fellow students didn’t seem to have -- led him to eventually become a very wealthy computer industry executive. Files said the teen who lived with purpose was Bill Gates.

 

Files urged graduates to recognize the value of others as they move ahead.

 

“It’s very easy when we celebrate personal triumphs, like graduation, to get caught up in ourselves. Resist that,” he said, using Walt Disney World’s employees as an example. Files said most people remember Mickey Mouse or Cinderella, but said the great experiences guests have wouldn’t happen without the other “cast members” at Disney World, like the janitors who take out trash.

 

Files advised looking beyond money as a measure of greatness and looking for ways to make a difference, saying, “You have been prepared … How far you go is up to you.”

 

He then quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “‘Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.’”

 

Files also admonished graduates to use their time on earth wisely because someone is always watching, saying that far too few people in the world live for something.

 

“Most go through the motions, simply happy to exist in life,” he said. “We are only here for a given time. Don’t waste it. Don’t live someone else’s dream, and when you have a dream, dream big, and don’t be afraid to fail.”
 

Remarks from Dr. Paul B. Beran, UAFS chancellor, encouraged graduates to never stop learning.

 

“Today is indeed a special day for you,” said Beran, “not because you are graduating -- although that is cause enough for celebration -- but because you are really ready to start the learning process. Perhaps some of you may have thought that now that you are graduated that the learning process can slow down, that maybe you can ‘catch a break.’

 

“But the reality is that if you want success, no matter how you define that term for yourself, now is the time to pick up speed.”

 

Beran told the graduates that they were poised to make a positive difference in the current world of economic competition and technological change.

 

“Your journey is far from over,” Beran said. “I encourage you to transform your momentum into lifelong success.”

 

He urged graduates to become lifelong learners, striving for a combination of wisdom and experience that will lead to fulfilling and challenging lives.

 

The two commencement exercises -- one held at 10 a.m. and one at 2 p.m. -- acknowledged the awarding more than 700 degrees and certificates to students completing graduation requirements during the spring semester and summer terms.

 

The morning ceremony included the College of Health Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The afternoon ceremony was for the College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Business, College of Education, and the College of Languages and Communication.

 

The morning ceremony also included the oath of office for two UAFS students commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, 2nd Lt. James Bowden of Lamar and 2nd Lt. James Peronia of Pea Ridge, who have been a part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at UAFS. Maj. Kevin Cox administered the oath.

 

In addition to Chancellor Beran, presenting the candidates for graduation were Dr. Ray Wallace, provost and senior vice chancellor; Wayne Womack, registrar; and deans Dr. Carolyn Mosley, Dr. Henry Rinne, Dr. Mark Arant, Dr. Georgia Hale, Dr. Steve Williams, Dr. John Jones and Dr. Joe Hardin. Dr. Norm Dennis, interim associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, also presented candidates for graduation for the engineering programs which are a cooperative effort of UAFS and UAF.

 

Commencement ceremony participants also included the UAFS Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Alexandra Zacharella; Matthew Utz, chief marshal and bearer of the mace; soloists Dr. Edward White and Dr. Katherine White; the UAFS Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, who presented the colors during the morning ceremony; and Tyler Lamon, director of annual fund, who gave a welcome from the Alumni Association.

 

Pre-ceremony music and post-recessional bell peal were performed on the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower Carillon by Dr. Stephen Husarik, head carillonneur.